Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has suspended all campaign activities for his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party until Monday, January 30, 2023.

He also ordered the lowering of his party’s flag in all PDP offices in Abia State.

He gave these instructions today in honour of PDP Governorship Candidate, Prof Ikonne, who died early today, Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

Prof Uche Ikonne died at 4 am today at the National Hospital Abuja according to his son, Dr Chikezie Uche-Ikonne.

In his riposte, which was contained in a four-paragraph statement which he personally signed, Ikpeazu said it was a difficult period for the PDP leadership in the State.

The statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart but total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of our Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2023 General Elections, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, which sad event took place in the early hours of today at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

“While we condole with the family of the late Professor of Optometry, the PDP family and Abians in general, we pray God to have mercy on his soul, grant him eternal rest and give everyone affected by his unfortunate demise the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“As a mark of honour to our dear departed brother, I hereby direct that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered and flown at half-mast while all campaign activities for the party at all levels be suspended until Monday, 30th January, 2023.

“I urge all PDP leaders and members to remain calm as we navigate through this difficult period together.”